]]>The upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT4 has been teased ahead of its official debut at the 2018 Geneva auto show sporting a flame wrap. Some key exterior design cues can be clearly seen such as the thin taillight clusters, which visually tie this sedan to the AMG GT sports cars.

Unlike the recently revealed CLS-Class, the AMG GT4 appears to have a liftback tailgate like the AMG GT Coupe, which should distinguish it more from Mercedes’ non-AMG swoopy sedan.

Coincidentally, our spy photographers caught this specially camo’d prototype testing with another AMG GT mule and a Porsche Panamera in the snow, further hinting that the AMG GT4 is aimed squarely at Porsche’s potent four-door.

The car wearing the flame wrap also sports what appears to be a small fixed rear wing, which could be available as an option. As with all AMG models, the AMG GT4 will sport the Panamericana grille, which first appeared with the AMG GT coupe lineup but has since found its way to other AMG vehicles including the S63 and GLC63.

When it goes into production, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 will effectively replace the CLS63 since Mercedes-Benz won’t offer a 63 variant for the new-generation CLS.

Under the hood will likely be a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that should make up to 600 hp and come paired to a new nine-speed automatic transmission specific to AMG models. Its underpinnings, however, are expected to be shared with the E-Class and CLS-Class.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-gets-a-flame-job-in-latest-teaser/feed/0Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door Undergoes Wind Tunnel Testinghttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-coupe-teased-ahead-of-geneva/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-coupe-teased-ahead-of-geneva/#respondWed, 14 Feb 2018 22:06:28 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1228162Before its debut in Geneva next month, the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT is undergoing aerodynamic tests in the wind tunnel. And we now have a better idea of what it will look like. We’ve spotted the four-door coupe testing in prototype form a few times now, but today Mercedes has taken off much of the camouflage. For...

]]>Before its debut in Geneva next month, the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT is undergoing aerodynamic tests in the wind tunnel. And we now have a better idea of what it will look like.

We’ve spotted the four-door coupe testing in prototype form a few times now, but today Mercedes has taken off much of the camouflage. For the first time, we have a clear view of the Panamericana grille, large front air vents, and expansive roof. Although the design is more conservative, the front end in particular resembles the GT concept that debuted at last year’s Geneva auto show.

Mercedes hasn’t released official specs on the new model. But it should come with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that could make as much as 600 hp. Given that the concept boasted a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with more than 800 hp, we could see the final product end up with this option as well.

The four-door GT will compete against the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera, and Audi RS 7. Expect it to sit on the MRA platform underpinning the E-Class and pack a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8. As we previously reported, the new CLS is expected to skip an AMG 63 variant so it doesn’t step on the AMG GT four-door’s toes.

The automaker says it will complete wind tunnel tests before the car premieres at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-coupe-teased-ahead-of-geneva/feed/02019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Gets Classierhttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-benz-c-class-refresh-review/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-benz-c-class-refresh-review/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 23:01:26 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1228025Past versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have generally been solid cars, but they haven’t always felt particularly special. With the 2015 redesign of the C-Class, however, that all changed. Not only does it now look like a smaller S-Class, the interior almost looks like it could be out of the S-Class. To keep it from...

To keep it from feeling dated, though, Mercedes gave the 2019 C-Class an update that adds power, new standard features, and even more technology.

Exterior changes have been kept subtle and focus on refining the car’s appearance more than changing it. The new front and rear bumpers are well-integrated and help give the car even more of an S-Class feel.

Mercedes also made LED headlights and taillights standard, designed new 17-inch wheels for the base model, added two paint colors, and redesigned the key. Inside, the C-Class gets a new steering wheel, but beyond that, the cabin looks pretty much the same.

But while the visual updates are minimal, the C-Class didn’t necessarily need any major design changes. Instead, Mercedes chose to add standard features and offer more technology options.

So when you buy a new C-Class, push-button start, a power-retractable sunroof, wood trim, a 7.0-inch infotainment system, and automatic braking are all included.

The base engine also now makes an extra 14 hp, bringing the total up to 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Most importantly, though, the E-Class‘ semiautonomous driver assistance package is also an option.

Under the right conditions, the new C-Class will be able to follow the car in front of it at a safe distance, maintain its lane, adjust its speed based on the speed limit, and change lanes with a tap of the turn signal.

The system isn’t as advanced as Cadillac’s SuperCruise or Tesla’s Autopilot, nor is it remotely close to being fully autonomous, but it’s still impressive.

Pricing isn’t available at the moment, but Mercedes says it will officially reveal the refreshed C-Class at this year’s Geneva Motor Show before it goes on sale toward the end of 2018.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-benz-c-class-refresh-review/feed/02019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Arrives in Stylehttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-maybach-s-class-revealed-ahead-of-geneva/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-maybach-s-class-revealed-ahead-of-geneva/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 15:04:39 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1227333Valentine’ s Day comes early this year for S-Class lovers. The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was revealed ahead of its world premiere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show next month. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the late summer if you are looking to trade in last year’s model. The top Mercedes model gets...

]]>Valentine’ s Day comes early this year for S-Class lovers. The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class was revealed ahead of its world premiere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show next month. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the late summer if you are looking to trade in last year’s model.

The top Mercedes model gets a new grille with vertical struts, optional two-tone paint, and more flavors for 2019.

Mercedes says a pinstriped suit was the inspiration for the new grille—the same one that inspired the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 we saw at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4Matic packs a 4.0-liter twin turbo V-8 engine that delivers 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It has the same specs as the 2018 model and also has a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.

Also like last year’s model, the 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S 650 packs a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that offers 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. It has a peppy claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.

The new models roll on 20-inch multi-spoke wheels that are available in three exciting variants. An optional two-tone paint treatment is available in nine color combinations with a double clear coat—a must for fashion conscious S-Class fans.

Inside, there are two new exclusive color combos: Armagnac Brown/Black and Savanna Beige/Black. Black Nappa leather is available in a choice of copper, gold, or silver top stitching.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is 215 inches long and has a wheelbase of 132.5 inches. It exceeds the long-wheelbase S-Class sedan by almost 10-inches in both dimensions and lucky rear passengers get even more legroom to stretch out in.

Executive seats are standard as well as extended interior ambient lighting in the rear cabin to set the mood.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but last year’s Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4Matic starts at $168,600 and the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 starts at $198,700. Expect to pay a bit more than that for the 2019s.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-maybach-s-class-revealed-ahead-of-geneva/feed/02019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Revealed Ahead of Genevahttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-amg-g63-revealed-ahead-of-geneva/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-amg-g63-revealed-ahead-of-geneva/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 10:00:03 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1227494When Mercedes finally revealed the first complete redesign of the G-Wagen since it was originally introduced back in 1979, it only showed off the entry-level G550. As impressive as it was off-road, and as luxurious as the new interior looked, we knew it was only a matter of time before the AMG version showed up to...

As impressive as it was off-road, and as luxurious as the new interior looked, we knew it was only a matter of time before the AMG version showed up to hog the attention. And, well, here it is, ready to do exactly that.

There’s no mistaking the G-Class for anything else, but to make sure the G63 stands out, AMG gave it a new grille, widened the fenders, added a two-mode sports exhaust, made running boards standard, and switched to red brake calipers.

Optional 22-inch wheels are also available. Inside, the G63’s most notable AMG-specific feature is its flat-bottomed steering wheel.

As with any AMG, though, the biggest news is under the hood. The G63 now makes 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, beating the G550 by 161 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes says that with the help of the new nine-speed AMG transmission, the new G63 can hit 60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph with the AMG Driver’s package.

Compared to the outgoing 5.5-liter model with its seven-speed auto, the new G63 gets an extra 14 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque, enough to cut almost a second off its 0-60 time.

We don’t expect many owners to off-road their G63s, but like the 2018 model, the 2019 comes with four-wheel-drive and three locking differentials as standard.

Instead of distributing torque evenly, though, the new version is rear-biased and defaults to a sportier 40:60 split. Low range can also be engaged at speeds of up to 25 mph and disengaged at speeds of up to 44 mph.

The biggest difference between the current G63 and the new one, however, will likely be on paved roads. That’s because all versions of the 2019 G-Class get an independent front suspension and a significantly widened track.

Mercedes says AMG then completely redesigned the suspension, adding AMG-specific coil springs at all four corners to improve handling. It also added a strut tower brace to improve rigidity, stabilizer bars to reduce body roll, adaptive dampers, and speed-sensitive steering.

To further tailor the G63 to their needs, owners can choose from five on-road and three off-road driving modes.

Pricing isn’t available at the moment, but expect Mercedes to share that, as well as when the G63 will go on sale, by the end of the year.

More information may also be made available when the Mercedes-AMG G63 makes its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2019-mercedes-amg-g63-revealed-ahead-of-geneva/feed/0Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door Teased Ahead of Geneva Show Debuthttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-teased-ahead-of-geneva-show-debut/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-teased-ahead-of-geneva-show-debut/#respondSat, 10 Feb 2018 18:00:05 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1227150The 2018 Geneva auto show is less than a month out and Mercedes has seen it fit to give us one more tease of the car it plans to premiere in Switzerland: the four-door AMG GT. These “official spy shots,” two of which were clearly shot from another camo-clad car, give us a fresh look...

]]>The 2018 Geneva auto show is less than a month out and Mercedes has seen it fit to give us one more tease of the car it plans to premiere in Switzerland: the four-door AMG GT.

These “official spy shots,” two of which were clearly shot from another camo-clad car, give us a fresh look at the new sport-coupe/sedan’s front end and its Panamericana grille, which hasn’t changed much since August.

We’re also treated to a snow-free look at its rear, which sports quad exhaust tips. These are rounded tips like those on the prototype spotted in late December, not trapezoidal like on August’s. As to whether that’s just intentional camo, a late design change, or because these prototypes are different variants, we have to wait until March to find out.

Unsurprisingly, no new details were released about the four-door AMG GT, which we expect to be powered by some form of Mercedes’ 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, possibly making even more than the 603 hp found in the E63 S.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-gt-four-door-teased-ahead-of-geneva-show-debut/feed/0Mercedes-AMG Boss Talks Downforce, Engine Durability of Project Onehttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-boss-project-one-generates-half-its-weight-in-downforce/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-boss-project-one-generates-half-its-weight-in-downforce/#respondFri, 09 Feb 2018 21:15:19 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1226726Mercedes is bringing its Formula 1 technology to the streets with the Project One. As the automaker continues to fine-tune the 1,000-hp hypercar, AMG boss Tobias Moers reveals some interesting tidbits about the project. Speaking to Autocar, Moers relates that the Project One will generate half its weight in downforce. Moers confirmed the model will weigh...

]]>Mercedes is bringing its Formula 1 technology to the streets with the Project One. As the automaker continues to fine-tune the 1,000-hp hypercar, AMG boss Tobias Moers reveals some interesting tidbits about the project. Speaking to Autocar, Moers relates that the Project One will generate half its weight in downforce. Moers confirmed the model will weigh between 1,300 and 1,400 kg, or 2,866 and 3,086 pounds. If you take the midpoint of the weight estimate, that means the car will generate about 1,488 pounds of downforce. Although impressive, the Project One can’t match the McLaren Senna’s claimed 1,764 pounds of downforce, which is already 40 percent more than the P1.

Moers also put to rest fears that the Formula 1-derived engine won’t last. He said the Project One’s engine is certified to last 50,000 km, or 31,070 miles. “It’ll need a rebuild after that,” said Moers.

Despite its status as the world’s largest auto market, China won’t be seeing the Project One. “It will be certified under European small series rules, so it’ll go into the U.K. and Europe,” Moers said. “Following successful consultations with authorities in the U.S. and some parts of Asia, it can go there too. But we won’t be selling it in China.”

The Mercedes-AMG Project One uses an electrically turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 and a set of 120-kW electric motors to make 1,000 hp. The model also features an eight-speed automatic transmission. Top speed is more than 217 mph, and the car should hit 124 mph from a standstill in less than 6 seconds, Mercedes says.

It’s too soon to say whether or not Mercedes will build a successor to the Project One. Said Moers: “You can’t have 10-year plans in an era like this. It’s too disruptive. I never stick to plans beyond four or five years.”

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-amg-boss-project-one-generates-half-its-weight-in-downforce/feed/0Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Spotted with AMG Cueshttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-a-class-sedan-spied-amg-cues/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-a-class-sedan-spied-amg-cues/#respondThu, 08 Feb 2018 00:00:43 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1225575Mercedes showed off the newest version of its entry-level hatchback, the A-Class, earlier this month. With a CLS-inspired front end and a cabin that borrows more than few design elements from the E-Class and S-Class, the new A-Class has upmarket features to spare. And while it won’t come to the U.S. in hatchback form, the sedan...

]]>Mercedes showed off the newest version of its entry-level hatchback, the A-Class, earlier this month. With a CLS-inspired front end and a cabin that borrows more than few design elements from the E-Class and S-Class, the new A-Class has upmarket features to spare. And while it won’t come to the U.S. in hatchback form, the sedan version will arrive later this year. Soon after the A-Class lands on dealer lots, it also looks like an AMG-tuned A35 will quickly follow.

Our spy photographer caught this A-Class sedan testing in Europe, and to some extent, it’s interesting to get a better idea of how it will look as a four-door. Even though the prototype is still fully camouflaged, it looks well-proportioned for a small, front-wheel-drive car. It also appears to be more conservatively styled than the controversial CLA.

But as our photographer noticed, this particular A-Class prototype is also fitted with a more aggressive aero package, rides lower than the regular A-Class, and has a dual sports exhaust. The wheels may look ugly, but it appears they’re only there to hide the front and rear cross-drilled brake discs that signify an AMG.

We’ve already heard rumors that Mercedes plans to eventually introduce an AMG-tuned A45 to rival Audi’s RS 3, but our photographer believes this prototype is actually a mid-level performance version aimed at the Audi S3. Presumably called the A35, expect this version make about 300 hp and offer all-wheel drive. It’s still unconfirmed at this point, but there’s also a chance that the A35 will use a mild hybrid system similar to the one found in the new CLS to improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Mercedes hasn’t said when it plans to officially reveal the new A-Class sedan, but since it’s supposed to go on sale later this year, we should see it soon.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-a-class-sedan-spied-amg-cues/feed/02020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Prototype Spiedhttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-mercedes-benz-s-class/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-mercedes-benz-s-class/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 21:00:18 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1225062It’s official—the all-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now in session. Snowy spy photos of the next-generation S-Class have recently surfaced giving us our first glimpses of the very special luxury sedan. Under the new sheet metal, the prototype is likely packing a 4.0 twin turbo V-8 engine that offers at least 463 hp and 516...

]]>It’s official—the all-new 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now in session. Snowy spy photos of the next-generation S-Class have recently surfaced giving us our first glimpses of the very special luxury sedan.

Under the new sheet metal, the prototype is likely packing a 4.0 twin turbo V-8 engine that offers at least 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Its V-8 is likely to be mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system—judging by the extreme weather testing conditions.

Mercedes-Benz is also experimenting with electrified powertrains, so it could be a hybrid with an electric motor and pack a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that the brand is also known to tinker with. That engine offers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and is also mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Judging from these photos, it doesn’t appear to be a plug-in—unless its charge point is well hidden under all the camouflage.

Recently, all 2018 S-Classes have received over 6,500 parts upgrades since the previous model—so we imagine there’s lots of tweaking going on under the hood here.

Up front, the mesh grille and headlights are well clad, but the front end appears to take on a new boxier look than its predecessor.

Around back, it remains the same as this year’s model except for a smaller less pronounced rear light kit. The LEDs are likely to get an upgrade for the next installment.

Overall, it seems on schedule for its possible 2020 debut. We’ll have to wait and see what level of autonomous features are planned for this model as well.

One thing is certain, this S-Class is definitely packing a snowdrift mode—whether it is intentional or not.

]]>http://www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-mercedes-benz-s-class/feed/0Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Debuts with New MBUX Multimedia Systemhttp://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-benz-sprinter-debuts-treasure-trove-tech/
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/mercedes-benz-sprinter-debuts-treasure-trove-tech/#respondTue, 06 Feb 2018 22:51:50 +0000http://www.automobilemag.com/?p=1225424Comfortable and luxurious, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has never been a nuts-and-bolts work van. The distinction has been made even clearer now that the van boasts new technologies. Like the recently revealed A-Class, the Sprinter receives the MBUX multimedia system. Drivers can control the 10.25-inch display by touching directly on the screen, using touch controls on the...

]]>Comfortable and luxurious, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has never been a nuts-and-bolts work van. The distinction has been made even clearer now that the van boasts new technologies.

Like the recently revealed A-Class, the Sprinter receives the MBUX multimedia system. Drivers can control the 10.25-inch display by touching directly on the screen, using touch controls on the steering wheel, or activating the improved voice control system.

The Sprinter also receives Mercedes PRO connect, a new feature that links fleet managers to all the vehicles and drivers in his or her network. Online, fleet managers can manage assignments for the Sprinters and track their location, fuel levels, and maintenance info. Other practical-minded features on the new Sprinter include a self-cleaning rearview camera, a 360-degree parking camera system, and a rain sensor system that optimizes visibility during the wiping process.

Globally, there are more than 1,700 different configurations available for the new Sprinter, although Mercedes hasn’t said how many variants will come to the U.S. Depending on the build, the Sprinter can serve as a van for transporting goods, a camper van or bus, or even an ambulance.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will officially roll out in Europe in June and is now available for order. It will arrive in the U.S. by the end of this year. An eSprinter is coming in 2019, but Mercedes isn’t ready to announce whether that electrified model will make its way to the U.S. Mercedes is also holding out on specific engine details for our market at this time. However, it confirmed both gas and diesel options will be available.